Chelsea give ‘fantastic presentation’ in bid to lure Barcelona youngster

Chelsea are seemingly leading a race to sign youngster Xavier Mbuyamba from Barcelona.

The 18-year-old’s agent Carlos Barros told Voetbal International that several clubs are keen on the player.

The story has been picked up by the Daily Mail and it appears that the promising defender could well be heading to London.

Clubs in Italy and Germany have also been tracking Mbuyamba, but Barros has revealed that Chelsea have put forward a convincing case to persuade the player to choose a move to Stamford Bridge.

Real Madrid are also apparently interested in him, but a move there looks unlikely given their rivalry with Barcelona.

Barros is quoted as saying: “Real Madrid are also there, they are serious about their youth system, but that would of course be a sensitive switch.

“Juventus and Inter are interested, as are top clubs from Germany and England. Chelsea have the best papers. Of course we discussed this extensively last year.

“Chelsea gave a fantastic presentation. There is a unique football atmosphere there. You immediately sit with the first-team players during lunch and the club has outlined a very ambitious plan for Xavier.”

Chelsea are always on the lookout for talented youngsters and Mbuyamba seems to fit the bill. It remains to be seen whether a deal can be done to take him to the Bridge.